Statewide Arts Convening

A resident of North Dakota since the 3rd grade, Rhea Beto joined NDCA in 2019 as the Public Information Officer and Accessibility Coordinator. With a Master of Arts in Communication from North Dakota State University, Rhea has over 25 years of experience working in communications and many of those years include an accessibility component. 

At NDCA, Rhea manages a grant program; designs publications and social media posts; produces the electronic newsletter and press releases; manages NDCA's websites; and is the designated accessibility/ADA, COSE, and health & wellness coordinator for the office. 

During her session at the Convening, Rhea discussed following a statewide branding process for Arts Across the Prairie: Placemaking in Rural ND. Besides a full branding guide, the project resulted in the creation of a website that individually highlights each of the eight Regions and their progress toward the creation of eight unique, large-scale, rural installations. 

Jessica (Jess) Christy is a native North Dakotan, born to two artists on the Sanger Art Farm, located at the edge of the Sheyenne River Valley. Christy began the position of executive director of NDCA following a decade immersed in the arts scene of the Chicago area, where she dedicated her time to teaching and collaborating with numerous arts nonprofits and community initiatives. Her passion for uplifting communities through art drives her dedication to serving the people of North Dakota.

Jessica completed her B.S. in Art at Valley City State University in 2007, followed by her MFA from the University of North Dakota in 2011. She contributed to the art community at the Jamestown Arts Center and taught at Minot State University before relocating to Chicago. There, she made her mark at the community printmaking studio Spudnik Press Cooperative and established BE Community Art Space, a pop-up gallery and arts space dedicated to offering free arts programs for local youth and families. While in Chicago, she remained committed to teaching printmaking and other art courses across the city.

Founder and Executive Director of Group Creative Services, Teva Dawson was born in North Dakota yet now hails from Iowa where she has invested over 20 years of her life in implementing civic engagement and integrating community planning through regional government collaboration. Her work has centered around the themes of parks and recreation, transportation systems, and resiliency planning, with health involved in all policies. 

Teva began her career path of invention by designing her own major in Environmental Education from Drake University which led to the creation of Des Moines’ first Community Garden Program. She recently spearheaded Greater Des Moines’ first Water Trails and Greenways Plan. During her session at the Convening, Teva shared how to bring transformative ideas to North Dakota communities by highlighting unique assets and growing authentic culture. 

Inspired by a passion to create, Brooklyn graduated with a BS in Graphic Design and Public Relations. She uses her talents for design, marketing, writing, and creativity to support business and community in the region. Brooklyn currently serves as Director of Tourism and Creative for Bowman County Development Corporation and Roosevelt Custer Regional Council. She loves being near family and her spontaneity inspires travel.

Antoinette is the Executive Director for the Hazen Chamber of Commerce and Convention Visitors Bureau. She is the biggest “cheerleader” for Hazen and rural North Dakota, working closely with local businesses, organizations/entities, and residents about the importance of creating a vibrant and thriving community. Her creativity, dedication, and passion have instilled growth in investors within the Hazen Chamber of Commerce. 

Previously, Antoinette taught Physical Education, Family Consumer Science and English Learners for a combined of 18 years. She continues to teach, but in a unique way: by informing the community to support local businesses primarily and teaching business leaders to be better leaders through improving skills such as communication, empathy, patience, motivation, and fabricating an inviting and welcoming storefront! Antoinette is on the North Dakota Rural Development Council and a committee member for Engagement and Membership through Vision West ND and was newly appointed to the Vision West ND Foundation Board of Directors. Antoinette grew up in Wilton, ND, and graduated from Bismarck High School. 

Lindsay (Nelson) Ostlie grew up on a ranch in western North Dakota and has done many different things over the years. She has worked in costuming, the garment industry, farming, writing, teaching, art, and sewing. Currently, she is sewing and raising her three boys at her farm near Carrington.